The Frenchman told reporters after facing criticism for failing to enhance a key area of his squad: "Look, defensive strengthening is a huge problem for everybody.

“Everybody looks for defenders. You could see again, you look at City, they buy again a defender. How much money did they spend on defenders in the last three years?

"We don't have the financial power of Manchester City. And the fact that they conceded half the goals we conceded is as well down to the fact that offensively they are very powerful. And they have a lot of possession in the opponent's half that we have not."

Arsenal were heavily linked with West Brom’s Jonny Evans as the window came to a close.

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The former Manchester United centre-half would have added vast Premier League experience to their squad, but a late offer was knocked back by the Baggies.

With no deal done, Wenger will have to dip back into the market over the summer if he is to find the necessary additions to a defensive unit which could lose Per Mertesacker at the end of his contract.